Excelsior Scholarship Application Open for Spring 2025
SUNY and CUNY Students from Families Earning Up to $125,000 Annually Can Apply for Tuition-Free College Applications Accepted Through February 2, 2025.
Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) today announced the opening of the spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship application. Eligible students planning to enroll full-time at a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college or university in the spring 2025 term can now apply. The Excelsior Scholarship enables qualified full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY institution tuition-free.
Governor Hochul said: "The Excelsior Scholarship transforms lives by making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across New York State. I encourage every eligible New Yorker to apply for this scholarship to pursue their higher education goals and build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities."
Eligibility Requirements To qualify for the spring Excelsior Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less.
Be entering college in the spring 2025 term.
Plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college full-time.
Agree to live in New York State and refrain from employment outside the state for a duration equal to the number of years the scholarship is received.
Students eligible for federal aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application or apply through the New York State DREAM Act.
The TAP application is available through the New York State Aid link at the end of the FAFSA. Students who have already submitted their FAFSA but missed the TAP link can apply here.
Leadership Statements Dr. Guillermo Linares, President of HESC, said: "I want to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of investing in higher education and its role in shaping the future of our state. Her commitment to ensuring that every student has a fair shot at an affordable education is transforming lives and creating opportunities."
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said: "There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional educational experience at an affordable price. With the invaluable support of the Excelsior Scholarship, New York State's Tuition Assistance Program, and other financial aid, 52% of in-state SUNY students attend one of our 64 institutions completely tuition-free. This is made possible through the incredible efforts of Governor Kathy Hochul and our legislative partners."
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said: "As part of our efforts to help current and prospective students access financial aid by completing their FAFSA and TAP applications, we are also encouraging eligible students to apply for robust New York State opportunities like the Excelsior Scholarship. This program has already enabled thousands of CUNY students to attend college tuition-free and pursue their dreams. We thank Governor Hochul for her strong commitment to keeping the many benefits of higher education accessible and attainable for all New Yorkers."
About the Excelsior
Scholarship Launched in 2017, the Excelsior Scholarship provides students with the opportunity to attend SUNY and CUNY colleges and universities tuition-free. By removing financial barriers, the program aims to make higher education more accessible to middle-class families.
Applications for the spring 2025 scholarship will be accepted through February 2, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is the state’s student f financial aid agency and a national leader in providing need-based grant and scholarship awards to college students. At its core, HESC administers more than two dozen grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs, including the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Excelsior Scholarship.
Through its programs and guidance, HESC helps more than 300,000 students achieve their college dreams annually, providing over $800 million in grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness benefits